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Spiritual Self-Care
Removing stress from your life
Since being diagnosed with cancer in April of 2021, I have changed many aspects of my life. These include changing my diet, incorporating physical therapy and gentle exercise, staying hydrated, trying to get enough sleep, and enjoying life with positive friends.
Another important component of my life these days is to spend time every day focused on spiritually nurturing myself.
I’m a Christian so I spend part of that time reading my Bible. However, my mother, who is Hindu, spends time with the Ramayana. I have a Muslim friend who prays several times a day. I also have friends who are atheist who meditate. The fact is, whatever your belief system, there are ways to reconnect with yourself and, if you believe in God, with your diety, in a way that will provide you with spiritual sustenance.
One key component — to focus on something beside yourself.
I start my day with a yoga breathing exercise. This helps me center myself. Then I listen to a hymn.
Music can often connect us to the Spirit. In India, during the 16th century, there was a woman, Mirabai, who devoted herself to Krishna. She spent her time composing and singing bhajans (Hindu hymns) in his name.
